The goal of the Missouri State University-West Plains mathematics department is to develop students' understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and their usefulness in describing and explaining the natural and physical world. In order to achieve this goal, the students taking math courses will be prepared to:

1. Take and be successful in other math courses.
2. Function in a technological society and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems which arise in their careers and daily lives.
3. Value mathematics as an integral part of the world around them; appreciate various historical and contemporary applications of mathematical systems.
4. Communicate mathematical ideas both verbally and in written form.
5. Think critically and draw conclusions; read, interpret, develop, and analyze graphs, tables, statistics, and other types of quantitative data.